OPS Biological Sciences Technician (Plant Pathology)

About the role

Located in UF / Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, this part-time position supports research staff conducting experiments related to insect transmitted viruses and other diseases, and associated field and laboratory experiments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field insect population surveys across diverse vegetable crops in field experiments.
• Inspect host plants and collect data from physical sticky traps to track known plant disease vectors (e.g., whiteflies and thrips).
• Perform accurate counts and digitally log vector population levels.
• Establish and help maintain experimental vegetable plots.
• Plant seeds and transplant delicate seedlings into the field.
• If needed, perform hand-weeding and apply precise fertilizer.
• Help install row covers or stakes to maintain healthy plant environments.
• Organize botanical, soil, or insect samples directly at field sites.
• Screen diverse crops for visual disease symptoms (e.g., blights, mildews, wilts, or viral mosaics), and log sample data and metadata onto physical sheets or mobile field applications.
• Participate in occasional day trips to external research locations or commercial fields to collect collaborative data sets and monitor regional disease outbreaks.

Requirements

• Ability to work a part-time: Part-time, 3 days per week (typically 24 hours per week).
• Core field hours generally run 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM to account for heat mitigation, with specific days of the week determined upon hire.
• This position does not qualify for benefits.
• Work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator or local Lab Manager.
• Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Qualifications

• Must be comfortable executing specific field data and strict tool sanitation protocols without constant direct oversight.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in Florida.

Skills

• Field insect population surveys
• Data logging and digital tracking
• Plot maintenance and cultivation
• Disease evaluation and sample processing
• Collaborative sampling and regional travel

Benefits

(This position does not qualify for benefits).

Pay

$21.00 per hour

Schedule

Core field hours generally run 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM to account for heat mitigation, with specific days of the week determined upon hire.

Special Instructions To Applicants

To upload resume and cover letter by 11:59 p.m. EST of the requisition close date. This is a time-limited position. This posting has been extended. Current applicants still under consideration and do not need to reapply. Health Assessment Required: Yes